Top 5 Mistakes When U.S. Immigrating With Family
Immigrating with family is one of the most emotional and transformative decisions a person can make. But it’s also one of the most legally complex. Families often rush to file petitions or move abroad before understanding how U.S. immigration, finance, and inheritance laws intersect.
At Holland Global Law, we’ve seen countless families make small mistakes that cost them time, money, and sometimes legal status. Here are the top five—and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1 When Starting The U.S. Immigration Process: Underestimating Documentation & Timeline Complexity
U.S. immigration isn’t one application—it’s a sequence of steps, each with unique timelines. Families often file an I-130 petition without understanding how the visa bulletin, priority date, and consular backlog affect wait times.
✅ Solution: Work with a firm that monitors your case monthly and ensures your entire family’s petitions stay synchronized.
Mistake #2: Failing to Plan for Wills and Estate Issues
Once you gain U.S. permanent residency or citizenship, your estate and inheritance laws change dramatically. Without an updated will or power of attorney, property or accounts abroad can become frozen or heavily taxed.
✅ Solution: Combine your immigration process with a U.S.-compliant estate plan that also respects local (e.g., Ghanaian, Mexican, Cambodian, etc.) law.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Tax & Business Implications
Dual income, remittances, and business ownership abroad can create hidden tax liabilities. Many new immigrants learn this the hard way when filing their first U.S. return.
✅ Solution: Seek pre-immigration tax guidance before you move to protect your earnings and avoid double taxation.
Mistake #4: Choosing an Attorney Who Doesn’t Understand Your Culture Contextually
Immigration isn’t just paperwork—it’s identity, culture, and family legacy. An attorney unfamiliar with the certain aspects of your culture can miss critical nuances such as foreign-document translation, birth registration discrepancies, or cultural naming conventions.
✅ Solution: Partner with a diaspora-based law firm fluent in both U.S. and your culture’s systems.
Mistake #5: Delaying Broader Family Strategy
Many families only plan for the first stage (e.g., spouse petition) and forget about long-term goals: parent visas, child naturalization, or business transitions.
✅ Solution: Build a multi-generation plan from the start—with immigration, business, and estate planning under one strategy.
Build Stability That Lasts for Generations
A mistake today can delay your family’s American future by years. But the right preparation creates stability that lasts for generations — ensuring your children, parents, and even future heirs benefit from the sacrifices you’re making now.
At Holland Global Law, Attorney Tatiauna Holland has represented clients from over 30 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe—each with a unique story, culture, and path to building a life in the United States.
For more than a decade, she has helped families navigate every corner of U.S. immigration law, including:
Family-based petitions (spouses, parents, children, and siblings)
VAWA and humanitarian relief for survivors of abuse
U-Visas and T-Visas for victims of crime and trafficking
Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing for new permanent residents
Waivers and complex re-entry cases for those with previous immigration challenges
Her approach blends deep legal knowledge with cultural sensitivity — understanding that behind every file is a family seeking safety, stability, and legacy.
Your next step is simple: take action before life’s emergencies do.
➡️ Start your family’s legal journey here:
📞 Call: +1 (832) 328-7877
💬 Text: 832-558-8290
💻 WhatsApp:+233 543785551
No matter where you are in the world, our team at Holland Global Law is ready to guide you through the process — from first petition to final green card — with clarity, compassion, and a plan that protects your family’s future.
